Pictures follow shortly

 On this very well supported visit, a coach-full of music-lovers went to see and hear the first of this season's band concerts in the grounds of Kneller Hall.  The students perform a total of five themed public concerts during the summer; this was the first and the theme was 'Around the World in 80 Minutes'.

The weather had been showery all day and it was with some concern that we watched the progress of the clouds but need not have worried.  The sky cleared and it was a fine evening, if a little chilly watching the performance.  We had taken picnics to eat beforehand and we found a very pleasant pitch under the trees.  My packet of sandwiches looked very out of place compared with some very slick picnic presentations. Only candelabra were missing!

We arrived there in good time, which allowed visits to the Museum in the main building prior to the concert. There we were met by knowledgeable guides who contributed much to the enjoyment and understanding.

A previous Duke of Cambridge who was also Commander-in-Chief of the Army, was unimpressed by the standard of Army music in 1856.  Determined to improve matters, he created the first 'Military Music Class' in Kneller Hall in 1857.  It was granted the title 'Royal' by Queen Victoria and has been the spiritual home of Army musicians since then. It also trains military musicians from Armies around the world and there were numerous  such musicians on the stage that night.  In addition, the Band of the Prince of Wales's Division was also on parade.

As the title theme suggests, there was a very varied programme of music relating to many different countries.  Where appropriate, local instruments were introduced into the ensemble, including a monstrous alpenhorn.  There were also singers and dancers in national costume from several countries.  Perhaps the most striking were 4 Gurkhas performing a fascinating Nepalese dance.

The concert was compered by a student bandmaster from the Royal Army of Oman who was impressively well in command of the event.  The band for each item was conducted by a student bandmaster from the relevant nation, which added to the overall interest of the evening.

It was a thoroughly well organised outing and much enjoyed.  The hope is that it might be possible to return to Kneller Hall next summer. Visits Supremo - please note!